Bug on the Bus
(I Like to Read)

PreS-Gr 1--This early reader follows a crew of animals as they board a bus for an exciting trip. Everything is going well--except for Slug being slow--until Skunk boards the bus. After everyone else leaves, Bug and Skunk find friendship on the bus and play games together at their destination. The text uses simple sentences with a repeating format and structure, and the vibrant and colorful mixed media and watercolor illustrations bring emotion and movement to the story. There are several pages dedicated to Slug's slow arrival at the bus; however, the animal drawn is clearly a caterpillar and not a slug at all. (An author's note to the grown-ups explains that the made-up character is a slug caterpillar with more legs than a real slug caterpillar). If readers can overlook this affront to the gastropods of the world, the story will delight and elicit giggles from young readers. VERDICT An early reader with an appealing story line but still a secondary purchase.--Jessica Trafton

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Catrow's style suggests chaos at every corner, yet he keeps the frenzied activities contained within his hairy watercolors. It's an impressive accomplishment on every level. A brilliantly simple paean to short vowels.

Colorful pencil, watercolor, and ink illustrations full of energy give lots of detail and playfully extend the storytelling with visual gags. With a fun, entertaining story tidily composed of the easiest ofwords, this beginning reader is a fantastic recommendation for emerging readers who need something achievable and want a silly story at the same time.